Job Summary: The Classroom Support will assist the Lead and Associate Teachers in providing a high-quality learning environment for children ages 6 weeks – 4 years old in the Head Start program. The Classroom Support maintains ratios of adults to children so that there is a minimum of two Head Start staff members in classrooms at all times. Classroom Support may help students transition to and from buses and assist during lunch time and naptime. Classroom Support will support the instruction and interaction of students in the classroom to promote comprehensive school readiness in all domains.

Essential Duties (May include, but not limited to):

Provides program support in instructional and related activities in the classrooms.
Follows all regulations pertaining to the Head Start Performance Standards, Michigan Childcare Licensing and Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
Engages with all students in a way that promotes positive interaction, development of vocabulary and expressive language.
Assist in classroom management using Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and other non-instructional functions.
Assists with the implementation of instructional activities based on student goals and objectives as written in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) or individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for students with disabilities.
Engages in outdoor experiences in accordance with the State of Michigan’s Childcare Licensing Rules and the GISD’s outdoor policy.
Loads and unloads students from school buses/vehicles under the direction of Site Coordinator. Uses hand-to-hand transfers of students with bus staff.
Assists with meals, planned activities, outdoor experiences and other activities, as required.
Assists students with health and physical needs and personal care routines including toilet training, diapering, and eating.
Works as a team with the Lead and Associate teachers to plan activities in the classroom, large motor area and playground.
Understands and implements the program’s social emotional and PBIS strategies consistently when encountering challenging student behavior.
Actively supervises students at all times. Uses active supervision strategies consistently throughout the building, classroom, and outdoors.
Assists with health and safety protocols to keep children from harm.
Uses Child Plus and other program applications as required to document attendance, EAL counts, communications, etc.
Participates in home visits and parent teacher conferences when appropriate.
Works collectively with other staff members to best support the student family. This includes the Lead Teacher, Associate Teacher, Early Childhood Specialist, Family Engagement Advocate, and Site Coordinator.
Conforms to the GISD Head Start Standards of Conduct.
Participates in staff meetings, professional development activities, and other training as assigned (virtual and in-person).
Completes virtual training within the designated time frame.
Maintains confidentiality of students, families, co-workers and workplace.
Participates in a cycle of professional growth with the Site Coordinator and Early Childhood Specialist that includes an annual evaluation and professional development plan.
Uses Restorative Practices and other research-based models for conflict resolution with co-workers or stakeholders.
Consistently models win-win leadership. Engages in Restorative Practices.

Other Duties:

Uses technology to communicate with staff.
Assists in preparing bulletin boards, duplicating materials and other material preparation activities in the assigned area of responsibility.
Operates standard school equipment, such as laminator, copier, audiovisual, etc.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:
High School diploma or equivalent required. College coursework in Child Development, Education, Preschool CDA preferred.

Experience:
Work experience in a childcare or educational program with toddlers preferred. Work experience with children with disabilities preferred.

Skills/Other:
Must be able to pass a physical exam and TB test, and to obtain a satisfactory National Sex Offender Registry and criminal history check through district and State of Michigan’s Childcare Licensing fingerprinting. Ability to accept supervision and direction. Ability to work creatively and communicate effectively with students. Works successfully as a member of a team. Ability to use district technology and maintain proficiency as required. Represents the district in a professional manner at all times, including following district’s dress code. Communicate professionally, effectively and in a timely fashion. Maintains a positive working relationship with families, staff, and other stakeholders. Follow district health and safety procedures. Demonstrate physical stamina necessary for assisting young children. Repetitive stooping, squatting, bending, lifting, walking, kneeling and reaching while maintaining personal balance and stability required; implement established behavior improvement intervention plans and perform the essential job duties. Punctuality and attendance are requirements for the position. Ability to work flexible workdays, work week, and work year. Demonstrates honesty, integrity, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to maintain a calm, poised, and professional image. Ability to exercise good judgment and make decisions in accordance with board policies and established administrative guidelines.

Special Job Considerations:
Bargaining Unit: None
Salary Schedule: Contracted, limited-duration grant-funded position; 28 to 40 hours per week
Starting wage: $15.04 per hour
Immediate Supervisor: Site Coordinator
Supervision: None

Classroom Support- Head Start/ Early Head Start